Parent FAQs

Common FAQs

Do you have a question about homework procedures?  How about home reading expectations? Maybe you are wondering how birthday treats are handled? Well, you are in the right place! Below are some fairly common topics you may find you have questions about. Hopefully we are able to answer all of them for you!

Classroom Supplies

1. What supplies does my fifth grader need?

You can access the 5th Grade supply list by visiting this link.

2. What if my fifth grader doesn't have all of his or her supplies on the first day of school?

While it is important to be prepared for the first day of school, and all school days thereafter, necessary items can be loaned to your fifth grader on that first day or two. Please make sure to acquire all the necessary supplies as soon as possible so that your fifth grader can be completely prepared for all learning that will take place. 

Contacting the Classroom Teacher

1. What is the best way to contact your fifth grader's teacher?

Although there are a few ways to contact us, the most effective way is probably going to be through email. Phone calls are challenging to answer during the school day unless you make a call before school or during the lunch hour, and even then it may not be answered. We ask that you don't call during classroom instruction time (8:15am - 12:00pm and 12:30pm - 3:30pm). Make sure to speak with your fifth grader's teacher for further information regarding other preferred methods of communication. 

If it is extremely vital to contact your fifth grader's teacher as soon as possible, you should call the main office (414.963.6962) and have the office staff get in touch with us.

2. What email address I should use?

Click on a teacher's name below to email that teacher. That teacher will do his or her best to get back to you that same day, but it may not be until after school sometime.

   Sandy Barnett

   John Stanco

   Jackie Butkovich

Home Independent Reading Program

1. How long should my fifth grader read each night?

Fifth graders are expected to read at least 30 minutes each night (at least 210 minutes per week). The program will work in alignment with what your fifth grader is reading independently here at school for Reader’s Workshop. 

2. What books should my fifth grader be reading?

Mooks should be at the “just right” level for your fifth grader. Students have learned about good-fit books to ensure they are self-regulating their reading and becoming more independent. Students should also read various types of genres to strengthen their reading lives. 

Eureka Math2

1. How often will Math homework come home?

In this Math program, students have 2 consumable workbooks. One is for in-class lesson work ("Learn") and one is for home practice ("Apply"). The "Apply" workbook has a green dot on it and should come home every day except Friday, regardless if there Is assigned Math work or not, and should then come back to school the next day. Homework will be listed In the Math Google Classroom and on the Grade 5 Homework Planner. Scholars are responsible for checking homework and making corrections. To encourage responsibility and growth, I’ll collect and check the Apply books for homework completion every few weeks. Thanks for your support. I’m always here–feel free to reach out with any questions. 

2. How can I help my fifth grader with Math?

The "Apply" (Green Dot) book shares plenty of “Golden Examples” that empower parents/caregivers to help scholars as needed. Answer keys have been emailed home and will be shared in Google Classroom on the due date.

3. What if my fifth grader loses his or her Math homework?

Life happens sometimes, right?!?! If your fifth grader finds her-, him, or themselves in this situation, please contact Mrs. Barnett after having them thoroughly search at home and In the backpack.

Homework

1. Is there regular homework every day?

Typically, you will see Math homework come home almost every day. Other homework is assigned as needed and will be listed on the Grade 5 Homework Planner page. If you want to know what homework is due and when, be sure to visit the Homework planner page online (see Docking Bay).

2. What should I expect if my fifth grader doesn't complete homework that is due?

Your fifth grader is expected to complete all homework assignments on time. Late assignments are kept track of and students will be expected to take home any incomplete work, complete it, and return it the next day. See the Homework Policy for more specific information about the expectations. 

Birthday Treats

1. What should I avoid when sending birthday treats in with my fifth grader?

With the rise in allergies, all fifth-grade classrooms are Nut-Free zones. This means that all birthday treats should contain ABSOLUTELY NO NUTS. Students are not expected to bring in a treat...it is completely optional. However, if a treat is shared, drinks are not necessary and are actually discouraged. Napkins, by the way, are helpful and encouraged!

2. What types of treats are allowed?

Remembering our nut-free policy, we also ask that the treats be individually cut or wrapped. It is very difficult to take time to cut a birthday treat such as brownies into individual pieces. Simple, single-serving treats such as cupcakes, cookies or bars are ideal. Healthy treats are also welcomed!

3. When will my fifth grader's treats be handed out?

Treats will usually be eaten at the end of the day, but this is up to the individual teacher as to when the treat time is most appropriate. We encourage you to contact your fifth-grader's teacher to help facilitate hassle-free treats!

Classroom Celebrations

1. How many classroom celebrations do fifth graders take part in?

Starting in fifth grade, students only participate in two celebrations...Winter and Spring. Teachers in the upper grades feel that there is so much important curriculum to cover and the need for additional parties conflicts with that importance.

2. Is my fifth grader responsible for bringing a treat for both celebrations?

Your fifth grader is assigned to bring an item for ONE of the celebrations. Please refer to the Celebration Schedule for your child's teacher, found in the Docking Bay for that classroom. S/he will be asked to bring either a food item or a paper product for the assigned celebration.

3. When do the celebrations occur?

Celebrations usually occur in the afternoon, sometime during the last 1-2 hours of the day. We encourage you to have your items sent in with your child in the morning of the day of the celebration.

Google Classroom

1. What is Google Classroom? 

Google Classroom is a learning platform that Is used in fifth grade. Many times, assignments are given to students digitally via this platform. Students can then complete their assignments and "turn them in" digitally without using a piece of paper. This can be very efficient In that students don't have to worry that they have forgotten their homework papers at school. The assignments are accessible from anywhere that they have access to the internet!

2. What can I see in Google Classroom? 

Google Classroom Is designed for students to interact with. If you wish to see exactly what your fifth-grader Is doing, you need to have them show you their Google Classroom environment. However, you can receive a regular email summary of completed and incomplete work, along with any grades given for that work! Your child's teacher can add you as a guardian, after which you will receive an email asking If you would like to join and begin receiving summaries. You can choose the frequency of these summaries when you join. Here Is a link to help you learn more about this.

Grading Scale

1. What grades does my fifth-grader receive?

All students at the elementary level receive BG, DV, SC and EX for their subjects on the report card. Current best practice in how we evaluate student progress is to use a standards-based system. We hope our students strive for success and we appreciate any help you can give in encouraging your fifth graders to do their best.

2. What does the grading scale look like?

The Shorewood School District uses the following Grade descriptors:

EX - Exceeds expectations - student demonstrates an exemplary understanding and mastery of skills measured

SC - Secure/proficient - student demonstrates a clear understanding and mastery of skills measured

DV - Developing - student demonstrates a developing understanding and mastery of skills measured

BG - Beginning - student demonstrates a limited understanding and mastery of skills measured

Parent-Teacher Conferences

1. Do I need to have a conference with my fifth grader's teacher?

We ask that you sign up for a conference in the fall to speak with the teacher about "general" progress thus far. Normally this is not an academic conference as it takes place early in the school year, but we may have some limited academic information for you to consider. Most of the conversation typically centers around behavior and study skills demonstrated in the classroom.

We also ask that you sign up for a conference in the spring. This is a more academic-centered conference where progress in various areas will be discussed, along with behavior and study skills information.

2. How do I sign up for a conference?

Your fifth grader's teacher will send out information about how to sign up for a conference. These conferences are typically held In October and March. Please watch for more information regarding those times. 

3. What should I prepare to bring to the conference?

It is always helpful to bring questions or concerns to the conference that you would like answered. Be prepared to listen to the teacher's perspective on how your fifth grader is doing. Sometimes it may be difficult to hear that your child is not doing well in a specific academic or behavioral or study skills area, but know that we are sharing this information with you in order to guide you in helping us to provide an environment rich with opportunities for success.

Family Involvement

1. How can I be more involved in my fifth-grader's school experience?

We firmly believe that it takes a unified approach to make the school year exciting, positive and successful. The teacher-parent connection is extremely important, as we are partners in this journey. Here are some ways that you can support your fifth-grader during the school year:

• make sure your fifth-grader is on time for school in the morning as we start each day with a CREW meeting and it is beneficial for all students to be involved as this is a way to discuss our current design principle for the month, help keep the students connected to each other, and/or prepare the students for the day ahead

• make sure your fifth-grader has the necessary supplies needed for school work and activities

• establish and maintain a "drop spot" for home/school communications AND a location to charge the Chromebook overnight

• be sure to read home/school communications soon after they arrive as many of them are time-sensitive

• check the Homework Assignment Planner daily and ensure that your fifth-grader completes homework in a timely fashion

• check the Space Station website regularly as a way to stay connected with what is happening in the classroom

• periodically go through the backpack and "clean it out"

• read to/with your fifth-grader regularly

• make an effort to stop by school once in a while and even consider volunteering in the classroom

• consider donating items for the classroom or for special events

• attend special events whenever possible, whether they be school-wide or classroom-specific (esp. Parent Orientation as well as the fall Parent-Teacher Conference), even if they are virtual

• chaperoning for a fifth-grade fieldwork experience

• being a guest speaker in your fifth-grader's classroom

• writing notes to your fifth-grader

• maintain a positive attitude about school with your fifth-grader (concerns should be addressed with one of us if you have any)

• encourage your fifth-grader to maintain a growth mindset at all times, especially when things are difficult or challenging!

2. What if it is difficult for me to follow any of the above suggestions?

We understand, in this challenging economy, that your time is at a premium due to work or other constraints. We just ask that you choose ONE item from the list that you are not currently doing and make a concerted effort to accomplish that item during the school year. Even that one new thing you do can have a tremendous and positive impact on your fifth-grader's school experience!!